President:Regional stability, esp. in Iraq, Syria should be a base for Iran-Ankara interaction

Regular interaction and consultation between the authorities of Iran and Turkey in important bilateral, regional and international issues is very essential, said President Rouhani in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

In the meeting that was held on Saturday in Tehran, Dr Rouhani added: "Fortunately, there is a good relationship between the authorities of the two countries that will lead to developing ties and cooperation between Tehran and Ankara".

Referring to the attempted coup in Turkey, Dr Rouhani said that the people of Turkey demonstrated loyalty to their votes and democracy and that coups cannot be imposed on countries in todays world, adding: "Unfortunately, the West uses double standards with regard to democracy and is not committed to what it says about democracy".

Regional security and stability, especially in Iraq and Syria should be a base for Iran-Ankara interaction, said Rouhani adding: "Consultation between Iran and Turkey is beneficial to peace and stability in the region and more Tehran-Ankara cooperation in current critical circumstances of the region will contribute a lot to resolving the issues".

He continued: "If major regional powers cooperate, the issues in Iraq and Syria will be resolved without needing foreign powers. But what is important today, is that neighbouring countries can play their constructive role in resolving regional issues".

Iran and Turkey share viewpoints in major regional principles, said the President. He added: "Preserving territorial integrity and national unity in Iraq and Syria, forming governments based on democracy and peoples viewpoints, preventing killing of people and destruction of infrastructures, and helping refugees and the injured to go back to their homes are among measures that should be taken to settle regional crises".

He went on saying: "The region is in critical circumstances and bilateral consultation can be very effective in resolving the issues. What is important to us today, is establishing peace and stability in the region, helping people go back to their homes and establishing democracy and peoples opinions in Syria and Iraq".

At the same meeting, Foreign Minister of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu expressed his condolences over martyrdom of Iranian pilgrims in Hillah and in the recent train collision and said: "Preserving territorial integrity and national unity in Iraq and Syria is beneficial to Iran and Turkey, as well as regional peace and stability".

He added: "Today, it is essential that all countries attempt to establish a cease-fire and national unity in Syria, resolve issues through political ways, and jointly fight terrorist groups".